SECUREMENT OF CARGO 3: The Cargo Securement System

Understanding Securement System

A securement system is a securement or retraining method that uses one or a combination of the following elements:

Vehicle Structure
Securing Devices
Blocking and Bracing Equipment

The choice among the above stated securement system must be appropriate for the cargo and this will be defined by the Cargo’s size, shape, strength, and characteristics.

The Cargo to be secured must have sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces of loading, securement, and transportation. The articles of cargo can be packaged articles, unitized articles, and articles stacked one on the other.

Components of a Securement System

We now consider what components make up each element of securement system as itemised above.

Blocking and bracing

The material used for blocking or bracing and as chocks or cradles must be strong enough to withstand being split or crushed by the cargo or tiedowns.

If wood is used:

Hardwood is recommended.
It should be properly seasoned
It should be free from rot or decay, knots, knotholes, and splits.

Vehicle structure

The components that are used when adopting a vehicle structure for securement of cargo are:

Floors
Walls (for sided vehicles)
Decks
Tiedown anchor points
Headboards
Bulkheads
Stakes
Posts
Anchor points

Note: Contrary to the generally held belief, the cab shield is not part of the cargo securement system. However, an ancillary front-end structure could be used to provide some restraint or brace against forward movement if the cargo is in contact with the cab shield.

Most importantly, all elements of the vehicle structure and anchor points listed above aside being in good order (i.e. no obvious damage; no distress; no weakened parts and no weakened sections), must also be strong enough to withstand the forces stated earlier:

Forward force: 0.8 g (80%)
Rearward force: 0.5.g (50%)
Sideways force: 0.5 g (50%)
Upward force: 0.2 g (20%)

Securing devices

Securing device is another element of the securement system. It comprise of any device specifically manufactured to attach or secure cargo to a vehicle or trailer. Among the most commonly used securing devices are: